CN113858922A

CN113858922A - Isolated evaporator coil for transport climate control system

Info

Publication number: CN113858922A
Application number: CN202110738552.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·J·伦肯; 托尼·斯佩茨
Original assignee: Thermo King Corp
Current assignee: Thermo King Corp
Priority date: 2020-06-30
Filing date: 2021-06-30
Publication date: 2021-12-31
Also published as: US11554640B2; EP3932707A1; US20210402852A1; US20230158863A1

Abstract

The techniques described herein relate to isolating or insulating at least a portion of an evaporator coil within a Climate Control Unit (CCU) of a TCCS in order to reduce or even eliminate adverse effects caused by leaked working fluid. Such adverse effects would include the threat of fire, occupant choking, cargo damage, and other harmful effects caused by the emission of toxic gases. A leak isolation structure is provided to isolate an evaporator tube of an evaporator coil from at least one of a plurality of bends of the evaporator coil.

Description

Isolated evaporator coil for transport climate control system

Technical Field

Embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to Transport Climate Control Systems (TCCS). More particularly, the embodiments relate to isolating or insulating leaks from evaporator coils of climate control lines used in TCCS.

Background

Transport climate control systems are commonly used to control one or more environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, etc.) within a climate controlled space of a transport unit (e.g., a truck, trailer, container (e.g., container on a flat bed, intermodal container, etc.), boxcar, semi-tractor, passenger car, or other similar transport unit). Transport climate control systems may include, for example, Transport Refrigeration Systems (TRSs) and/or heating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The TRS may control one or more environmental conditions within the climate controlled space to maintain the cargo (e.g., agricultural products, frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, etc.). The HVAC system may control one or more environmental conditions within the climate controlled space to provide passenger comfort in the transport unit for a traveling passenger. In some transport units, the transport climate control system may be mounted externally (e.g., on the roof of the transport unit, below the transport unit, on the front wall of the transport unit, etc.).

A transport climate control system may include a climate control circuit having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The working fluid may include a refrigerant that may be compressed and expanded as it flows through the climate control circuit and may be used to heat and/or cool a particular space.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein relate to isolating or insulating at least a portion of an evaporator coil within a Climate Control Unit (CCU) of a TCCS in order to reduce or even eliminate adverse effects caused by leaked working fluid (e.g., leaked refrigerant). Such adverse effects may include fire threats, occupant suffocation, cargo damage, and other harmful effects caused by the emission of toxic gases.

The embodiments described, illustrated and presented herein facilitate understanding of evaporator coils within a CCU that will include braze joints susceptible to leakage of refrigerant flowing therein.

According to at least one embodiment, a Climate Control Unit (CCU) of a transport unit is provided. The CCU includes a condenser unit, an evaporator unit, and a leak isolation structure. The evaporator unit includes an evaporator coil. The evaporator coil includes a plurality of evaporator tubes and a plurality of bends. The evaporator coil traverses at least a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit. The leakage isolation structure is configured to isolate at least one of the plurality of evaporator tubes from a leakage at one of the plurality of turns of the evaporator coil through which the working fluid passes.

In some embodiments, the leakage isolation structure is a removable cover. A plurality of bends are disposed within the removable cover. In some embodiments, a head plate having a bend side and a tube side is provided such that a plurality of bends are disposed on the bend side and a plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side. In some embodiments, the removable cover may be attached and sealed to the head plate such that the plurality of bends disposed within the removable cover are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes. In some embodiments, the removable cover is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant. In some embodiments, the removable cover is configured to vent any leaked working fluid to the atmosphere via a conduit. In some embodiments, the removable cover is comprised of sheet metal or plastic.

In some embodiments, the leak isolation structure is a sealed partition separating the condenser unit from the evaporator unit. The sealing partition includes a condenser side and an evaporator side, and the plurality of bends are disposed on the condenser side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the evaporator side. In some embodiments, a sealed partition isolates the evaporator unit from gases escaping from the evaporator coil on the condenser unit side of the partition. In some embodiments, a head plate having a bend side and a tube side is provided such that a plurality of bends are disposed on the bend side and a plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side. A sealing baffle surrounds and seals to a peripheral edge of the header plate such that the plurality of bends are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes. In some embodiments, the sealing baffle is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant. In some embodiments, the second head plate is provided with a second elbow side and a second tube side. The plurality of evaporator tubes includes a first end and a second end, wherein the plurality of bends are disposed at the first end. The evaporator coil includes a plurality of second bends disposed at the second end. A plurality of second bends are arranged on the second bend side, and a plurality of evaporator tubes are arranged on the second tube side. A sealing baffle surrounds and seals to a peripheral edge of the second head plate such that the plurality of second bends are isolated from the plurality of second evaporator tubes.

In some embodiments, the leak isolation structure is a sealed conduit. The plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed within the sealed tube and at least one of the plurality of bends is disposed outside of the sealed tube. In some embodiments, a head plate having a bend side and a tube side is provided such that a plurality of bends are disposed on the bend side and a plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side. The sealed tube is attached to the head plate such that the plurality of evaporator tubes disposed within the sealed tube are isolated from the plurality of bends. In some embodiments, the sealed conduit is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant.

Drawings

Reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which illustrate embodiments described in this specification. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

Fig. 1 illustrates a transport climate control system for a transport unit attached to a vehicle in accordance with at least one embodiment described and/or recited herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a climate control unit for a transport climate control system according to at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an interior side of a baffle plate with an evaporator mounted on an interior surface of the baffle plate according to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Fig. 4A illustrates an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Fig. 4B illustrates another evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Fig. 5 illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a cover-type cover for at least a portion of an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or depicted herein.

Fig. 6 illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a conduit-type covering for at least a portion of an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or depicted herein.

Fig. 7A illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a partition that is at least partially sealed with respect to an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Fig. 7B illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a baffle sealed relative to opposite ends of an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Detailed Description

Embodiments disclosed and recited in this disclosure relate generally to Transport Climate Control Systems (TCCS). More particularly, the embodiments relate to isolating or insulating leaks from evaporator coils of climate control lines used in TCCS.

A CCU according to embodiments described and recited herein may be configured to produce optimal air flow on both the condenser side (e.g., the side with the condenser unit) and the evaporator side (e.g., the side with the evaporator unit). The front and rear sides may be separated by a partition that provides structural support for various components of the CCU, such as air filters, fuel filters, evaporator air mover, condenser air mover, evaporator coils, condenser coils, and the like. The embodiments described and illustrated herein are directed to isolating or insulating leaks, for example, at the critical joints of the evaporator coils, thereby eliminating the possibility of unwanted refrigerant leaking into the back side of the CCU (i.e., the evaporator unit).

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are included as part of the description. In the drawings, like reference numerals generally identify like parts, unless context dictates otherwise. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the description of each successive figure may refer to features from one or more of the previous figures to provide a clearer context and a more substantial explanation of the present example embodiments. Furthermore, the example embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

While the embodiments described below illustrate different embodiments of a transport climate control system, it should be understood that an isolated evaporation coil is not limited to a transport climate control system or a Climate Control Unit (CCU) of a transport climate control system.

The embodiments disclosed and described herein relate to insulating, isolating and/or repositioning evaporator coil fittings into an insulated, sealed space, or into a space outside and away from other components of an evaporator unit, a climate controlled space (e.g., a cargo area), or any area having a potential source of ignition, such that any potential leakage into the corresponding evaporator coil is mitigated below a flammable concentration.

Thus, the embodiments disclosed and described herein are configured by considering portions of the evaporator coil that are attached to different components of the climate control circuit, thereby isolating potential leakage points of the evaporator coil from the evaporator space.

Further, according to at least one embodiment, the shape of the evaporator coil can be reconfigured from a straight block to reposition the return bend end into the condenser side of the sealed bulkhead. That is, this configuration eliminates the need for piping, and any potential leaks corresponding to the evaporator coils are isolated from other components of the evaporator unit, the climate controlled space (e.g., cargo area), or any area having a potential source of ignition.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the return bend of the evaporator coil can be housed within a removable leak isolation structure (e.g., cover, cap, etc.) to isolate any potential leak connections. With this configuration, the tubes of the evaporator coil of the evaporator can be disposed on the evaporator side of the partition within the CCU, but any potential leaks (e.g., return vents and/or manifolds) can be isolated, and the evaporator coil is vented down to the atmosphere outside the isolation structure via a vent tube, hose, or conduit that is removably provided for a vent path. The leak isolation structure (e.g., cover, cap, etc.) may be made of sheet metal or plastic and fit on top of the return vent. A leak isolation structure (e.g., a cap, etc.) may further be connected to the head plate (head plate) and may be vented to atmosphere via a hose, tube, or conduit. Since there is no ignition source in the coverage area, potential leak points can be isolated.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment, air from the condenser side of the partition within the CCU may be ducted into the isolated evaporator return area, thus reducing any potential accumulation of refrigerant gas leaking from the evaporator coil. That is, such a configuration may include the entirety of the evaporator coil within the condenser air flow with the evaporator coil exposed within the evaporator side of the partition within the CCU with the corresponding inlet and outlet exposed to facilitate air exchange.

According to at least one other exemplary embodiment, the ends of the evaporator coil may be coated with a pressure resistant sealant.

Fig. 1 illustrates a TCCS 20 for a climate controlled transport unit 1 attached to a tractor 5 in accordance with at least one embodiment described and/or depicted herein. The climate controlled transport unit 1 comprises a transport unit 10 and a corresponding TCCS 20.

The transport unit 10 may be attached to a tractor 5 configured to tow the transport unit 10, but the transport unit 10 may alternatively be parked and detached from the tractor 5. It is noted that the embodiments described herein are not limited to tractor and trailer units, but may be applied to any type of transport unit, such as trucks, trailers, containers (e.g. containers on flatbeds, intermodal containers, etc.), boxcars, semi-tractors, passenger cars or other similar transport units.

The TCCS 20 includes a Climate Control Unit (CCU)30, the CCU 30 providing environmental control, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, etc., within the climate controlled space 12 of the transport unit 10.

The CCU 30 may provide conditioned air into the climate controlled space 12, i.e., the interior space, of the transport unit 10 to provide a desired conditioned environment for the cargo therein. The desired conditioned environment for the climate-controlled space 12 may have one or more desired environmental conditions of the climate-controlled space 12, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and the like. For example, the CCU 30 may provide cooled air to the climate controlled space 12 when perishable goods are within the transport unit 10; additionally or alternatively, the CCU 30 may remove moisture from the air within the climate controlled space 12 as needed by the cargo within the transport unit 10, such as when the electronic equipment is within the transport unit 10.

The CCU 30 may be disposed on the front wall 14 of the transport unit 10; i.e. on the side of the transportation unit facing forward when the climate controlled transportation unit 1 is attached to the tractor 5. In one or more alternative embodiments, the CCU 30 may be disposed on, for example, the ceiling 14 or other wall of the transport unit 10.

The climate controlled transport unit 1 may comprise at least one of a battery (not shown) or an engine (not shown) as a power source.

The TCCS 20 may be a hybrid system that uses a combination of battery power and engine power, or an electrical system that does not include or rely on the TCCS 20 or the engine of the tractor 5 to provide power. The TCCS 20 may also include a programmable climate controller 40 and one or more sensors 50. One or more sensors 50 may be configured to measure one or more parameters of the climate controlled transport unit 1, such as the ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity outside of the transport unit 10, compressor suction pressure, compressor discharge pressure, temperature of air supplied by the CCU 30 into the climate controlled space 12, temperature of air returned from the climate controlled space 12 to the CCU 30, humidity within the climate controlled space 12, etc., and communicate parameter data to the climate controller 40. The climate controller 40 may be configured to control the operation of the TCCS 20 including components of the climate control circuit. The climate controller 40 may be a single integrated control unit 42, or a control unit formed by a distributed network of

climate controller elements

42, 44. The number of distributed control elements in a given network may depend on the particular application of the principles described herein.

With respect to at least the programmable climate controller 40 and the one or more sensors 50, dashed lines are shown in FIG. 1 to illustrate other features not visible in the view.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a CCU 30 for a TCCS (e.g., TCCS 20 shown in fig. 1) according to at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

The CCU 30 is used in a transport climate control system to condition a climate controlled space 12. The CCU 30 includes a climate control circuit 130, the climate control circuit 130 being configured and operable to control one or more environmental conditions of the climate controlled space 12, such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and the like. The CCU 30 includes at least an evaporator unit 110 and a condenser unit 120.

The evaporator unit 110 can include an evaporator air inlet 112 (which is alternatively referred to as an air return inlet) and an evaporator air outlet 114. Air passes through the evaporator unit 110 by entering through an evaporator air inlet 112 and exiting through an evaporator air outlet 114. After the air from the climate controlled space 12 enters the evaporator unit 110 through the evaporator air inlet 112, the air is conditioned, i.e., heated or cooled, within the evaporator unit 110; and the conditioned air is discharged from the evaporator unit 110 through the evaporator air outlet 114. In some embodiments, the evaporator unit 110 can include one or more evaporator air movers (not shown) that discharge conditioned air through the evaporator air outlet 114 and withdraw air from the climate controlled space 12 through the evaporator air inlet 112. Conditioned air flows from the evaporator air outlet 114 to the climate controlled space 12 to condition the climate controlled space 12.

The condenser unit 120 may include an ambient air inlet 124 and an ambient air outlet 126. Ambient air from the external environment 104, for example from outside the climate controlled transport unit 1, flows through the condenser unit 120 by entering through an ambient air inlet 124 and exiting through an ambient air outlet 126. In some embodiments, the condenser unit 120 may include one or more condenser fans (not shown) that send air out of the condenser unit 120 through the ambient air outlet 126.

The evaporator unit 110 can include a damper 118, the damper 118 regulating the flow rate of the conditioned air from the condenser unit 120. It should be appreciated that, in various embodiments, the evaporator unit 110 and the condenser unit 120 may each include one or more blowers, fans, and/or dampers to control the flow of respective air therethrough.

The CCU 30 may also include a partition 105, the partition 105 separating an internal volume 122 of the evaporator unit 110 from an internal volume 122 of the condenser unit 120. Thus, air and/or leaked gaseous working fluid within the condenser unit 120 does not generally flow into the evaporator unit 110 and, therefore, into the conditioned space climate controlled space 12.

The climate control circuit 130 may extend through the partition 105. Tubes, hoses, etc. of the climate control circuit 130 extend through the partition 105 to direct the working fluid between the components of the climate control unit 130 located in the evaporator unit 110 and the components of the climate control unit 130 located in the condenser unit 120.

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an interior side of a baffle 302 with an evaporator 110 mounted on an interior surface of the baffle 302, according to at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

According to at least one embodiment, the evaporator unit 110 is disposed inside the partition 302 and the condenser unit (not shown in FIG. 3) is disposed outside the partition 302. The evaporator coil 310 receives air from the conditioned space blown by an evaporator blower (not shown). The warm air stream enters through the partition 302 where the two-phase refrigerant absorbs heat from the air. The refrigerant exits the evaporator unit 110, typically in a heated state, and is directed back to the compressor unit 40 for recirculation. The cooled air exiting the air outlet is directed back into the conditioned space where it removes heat from the cargo and maintains the cargo at a desired temperature.

Accordingly, the non-limiting embodiments of the evaporator coil 310 described and illustrated herein are designed and/or configured to reduce or even eliminate the risk of refrigerant leakage therefrom, particularly when utilizing refrigerants having flammable and/or toxic properties.

Evaporator coils, including those made of copper tubing, aluminum or other alloys with hairpin bends, and having a plurality of brazed joints that are susceptible to cracks and/or other forms of cracking that would leak refrigerant out of the evaporator coil and expose the CCU and/or areas of the climate controlled space to flammable or toxic fumes. Thus, the non-limiting embodiments described and recited herein have potential leak points, e.g., return vents, that are displaced from the evaporator space and/or the climate control space into the condenser area.

Fig. 4A illustrates an evaporator coil 310' in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Referring to fig. 2, 3 and 4A, the evaporator 110 can include an evaporator coil 310 ', the evaporator coil 310' being generally straight and made of a plurality of evaporator tubes 312 '(e.g., tubes of copper, aluminum or other alloy) having a plurality of bends 315' at the head plate 405. A plurality of elbows 315 'are disposed on the elbow side 406 of the head plate 405, while a plurality of evaporator tubes 312' are disposed on the tube side 407 of the head plate 405. Each bend 315 ' allows working fluid (including refrigerant) to flow from one of the plurality of evaporator tubes 312 ' to another of the plurality of evaporator tubes 312 '. Each bend 315' may be a hairpin bend of approximately 180 °. The bend 315 ', which may be considered a braze return at the head plate 405, may be formed from a braze joint that will be susceptible to cracks and/or other forms of cracks that may leak refrigerant out of the evaporator coil 310', which exposes the CCU and/or areas of the climate controlled space to flammable or toxic fumes. It should be noted that the bight 315' at the opposite head plate in fig. 5 may be configured as a continuous hairpin radius and may or may not be subject to a covering as shown in fig. 5. Reference will now be made to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the evaporator coil 310'.

Fig. 4B illustrates another evaporator coil 310 "that is generally curved in accordance with at least one non-limiting exemplary embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3 together, the evaporator 110 can include an evaporator coil 310 "and the evaporator coil 310" can also be made of a plurality of evaporator tubes 312 "(e.g., a bent copper tube having a plurality of bends 315" at the head plate 405', aluminum, or other alloy). A plurality of bends 315 "are disposed on the bend side 406 of the head plate 405, while a plurality of evaporator tubes 312" are disposed on the tube side 407 of the head plate 405. Each bend 315 "allows working fluid (including refrigerant) to flow from one of the plurality of evaporator tubes 312" to another of the plurality of evaporator tubes 312 ". Each hairpin bend 315 "may be about a 180 ° hairpin bend. The bend 315 "may be formed from a braze joint that will be susceptible to cracks and/or other forms of cracks that may leak refrigerant out of the evaporator coil 310" which exposes the CCU and/or areas of the climate controlled space to flammable or toxic fumes. Reference will also be made below to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the evaporator coil 310 ".

Fig. 5 illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a cover-type covering for at least a portion of an evaporator coil in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or depicted herein.

Thus, the CCU 30 (fig. 2) of the transport unit 10 may include at least the condenser unit 120, the evaporator unit 110, and the partition 302 therebetween. The evaporator unit 110 can include an evaporator coil 310 '(fig. 4A), the evaporator coil 310' traversing at least a portion of the interior of the condenser unit 120 and at least a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit 110. In at least some alternative embodiments, the evaporator coil 310' may be entirely contained within the evaporator unit 110.

As shown in fig. 5, the evaporator coil 310 'can include a cover 505 to cover the bend 315' to isolate at least a portion of the evaporator unit 110 (including portions of the evaporator coil 310 ', such as the plurality of evaporator tubes 312') from leakage. That is, at least one of the bent portions 315' may be disposed within the cover 505. Thus, whether or not the evaporator coil 310 'traverses a portion of the interior of the condenser unit 120 and a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit 110, or whether or not the evaporator coil 310' is contained within the evaporator unit 110, the cover 505 may be a removable cover for isolating at least one bend 315 'in the evaporator coil 310' by connection to the head plate 405 (which may alternatively be referred to as an end plate) in such a way as to prevent the escape of gas, refrigerant, or air from the interior. A pressure resistant sealant can be applied around the outer edges of the various sections of the evaporator coil 310 ' that engage the planar sections of the head plate 405 to isolate the interior of the evaporator unit 110 from any refrigerant that may leak from any bends 315 ' of the evaporator coil 310 '. The cover 505 may be removable to allow, for example, adjustment of an adjustment valve (not shown) or safety inspection of the lead wires.

In at least some alternative embodiments, the cover 505 can be hermetically sealed to the evaporator 110 at the head plate 405 with a pressure resistant sealant. Further, the cover 505 may be made of a metal sheet or plastic. Further, whether removable or temporarily sealed, the cover 505 may be configured to communicate with the atmosphere via a conduit, one or more hoses, one or more tubes, or the like. According to at least one example embodiment, cover 505 may be fitted with a hose 510 and a bayonet fitting 515, and coupled by a clamp 520 to vent air or gas from within cover 505 to the atmosphere.

With the example embodiment of fig. 5, once working fluid leakage occurs at any bends 315 'in the evaporator coil 310', potential sources of ignition via the hose 510 can be isolated and/or eliminated by isolating the leaked working fluid between the head plate 405 and the cover 505.

As described above with respect to the description of fig. 5, the CCU 30 (fig. 2) of the transport unit 10 may include at least the condenser unit 120, the evaporator unit 110, and the partition 302 therebetween. The evaporator unit 110 can include an evaporator coil 310' that traverses at least a portion of the interior of the condenser unit 120 and at least a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit 110. In at least some alternative embodiments, the evaporator coil 310' may be entirely contained within the evaporator unit 110.

As shown in fig. 6, the evaporator coil 310 'may be substantially completely covered (including the plurality of evaporator tubes 312') by the housing or conduit 605 to isolate potential leaks (e.g., the bend 315 ') of the evaporator coil 310'. Thus, whether or not the evaporator coil 310 ' traverses a portion of the interior of the condenser unit 120 and a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit 110, or whether or not the evaporator coil 310 ' is contained within the evaporator unit 110, the housing or conduit 605 ensures that in the event of a leakage of working fluid from the evaporator coil 310 ' (particularly at the bend 315 '), there is no leakage of the evaporator coil 310 ' (which would expose the CCU and/or an area of the climate controlled space to flammable or toxic fumes).

That is, the housing or conduit 605 covering the entire evaporator coil 310 'may be completely within the airflow of the condenser unit 120, but for the brazed bend 315' at the head plate 405, the housing or conduit may be exposed to the evaporator 405, thereby facilitating air exchange. Thus, at least some of the bends 315 ' of the evaporator coil 310 ' can be configured to be external to the evaporator unit 110, although the inlet and outlet of the evaporator coil 310 ' are exposed to the evaporator unit 110. A pressure resistant sealant may be applied to the evaporator unit 110 around all of the outer edges of the various sections of the conduit 605, except for the bight 315' at the head plate 405, thus preventing any leaked working fluid from entering the conduit 605.

Fig. 7A illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a partition that is at least partially sealed with respect to the evaporator coil 310 "in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

Thus, the CCU 30 (fig. 2) of the transport unit 10 may include at least the condenser unit 120, the evaporator unit 110, and the partition 302 therebetween. The evaporator unit 110 can include an evaporator coil 310 "(fig. 4B) that traverses at least a portion of the interior of the condenser unit 120 and at least a portion of the interior of the evaporator unit 110. In at least some alternative embodiments, the evaporator coil 310' may be entirely contained within the evaporator unit 110.

As shown in fig. 7A, the evaporator coil 310 "(fig. 4B) is no longer straight in shape, but is a tube that is bent approximately 180 or approximately 180. The curved shape of the evaporator coil 310 "can reposition the bend 315" on at least one end of the evaporator coil 310 "into the condenser area 120 at the head plate 705, which can be aligned with the baffle 302. Pressure resistant sealant can be applied not only around the outer edges of the various sections of the evaporator coil 310 "that engage the planar section of the head plate 405' to isolate the interior of the evaporator unit 110 from any refrigerant that may leak from the brazed joint ends on any of the bends 315" of the evaporator coil 310 "; also, for the same purpose, such a pressure-resistant sealant may be applied to the periphery of the head plate 705 joined to the partition plate 302.

Fig. 7B illustrates a leak isolation structure shown as a bulkhead sealed relative to opposite ends of the evaporator coil 310 "in accordance with at least one non-limiting example embodiment described and/or illustrated herein.

As shown in fig. 7B, the evaporator coil 310 "(fig. 4B) is no longer straight in shape, but is a tube that is bent approximately 180 or approximately 180. The curved shape of the evaporator coil 310 "can reposition the bends 315" on both ends of the evaporator coil 310 "into the condenser area 120 at the head plate 710, which can be aligned with the baffle 302.

Thus, the bend 315 "can be repositioned or isolated into a space that seals or relocates into the plenum outside the remainder of the evaporator coil 310" (e.g., the plurality of evaporator tubes 312 ") such that any potential leaks are mitigated below the flammable concentration and away from potential sources of ignition.

Aspects of the invention

It should be understood that any of the following aspects may be combined:

aspect 1, a Climate Control Unit (CCU) of a transport unit, comprising:

a condenser unit;

an evaporator unit comprising an evaporator coil, wherein the evaporator coil comprises a plurality of evaporator tubes and a plurality of bends, and wherein the evaporator coil traverses at least a portion of an interior of the evaporator unit; and

a leakage isolation structure configured to isolate at least one of the plurality of evaporator tubes from a leakage at one of the plurality of turns of the evaporator coil through which the working fluid passes.

Aspect 2 the CCU of aspect 1, wherein each bend of the plurality of bends allows working fluid to travel from one of the plurality of evaporator tubes to another of the plurality of evaporator tubes.

Aspect 3, the CCU of any of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a removable cover, and wherein the plurality of bends are disposed within the removable cover.

Aspect 4, the CCU according to aspect 3, further comprising a head plate having a bend side and a tube side, wherein the plurality of bends are disposed on the bend side, and the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the removable cover is attachable and sealed to the head plate such that the plurality of bends disposed within the removable cover are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes.

Aspect 5 the CCU of aspect 4, wherein the removable cover is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant.

Aspect 6 the CCU of any of aspects 3-5, wherein the removable cover is configured to vent any leaked working fluid to atmosphere via a conduit.

Aspect 7 the CCU of any of aspects 3-6, wherein the removable cover is constructed of sheet metal or plastic.

Aspect 8, the CCU of any of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a sealed partition separating the condenser unit from the evaporator unit,

wherein the sealing partition comprises a condenser side and an evaporator side, and

wherein the plurality of bends are arranged on the condenser side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are arranged on the evaporator side.

Aspect 9 the CCU of aspect 8, wherein a sealed partition isolates the evaporator unit from gases escaping from the evaporator coil on the condenser unit side of the partition.

Aspect 10, the CCU of any of aspects 8 or 9, further comprising a head plate having a bight side and a tube side, wherein a plurality of the bights are disposed on the bight side, and a plurality of the evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the sealing baffle surrounds and seals to the peripheral edge of the head plate such that the plurality of bends are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes.

Aspect 11 the CCU of aspect 10, wherein the sealing baffle is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant.

Aspect 12, the CCU of any of aspects 10 or 11, further comprising a second head plate having a second elbow side and a second tube side,

wherein the plurality of evaporator tubes comprise a first end and a second end, wherein the plurality of bends are disposed at the first end,

wherein the evaporator coil includes a plurality of second bends disposed at the second end,

wherein a plurality of second bends are arranged on the second bend side and a plurality of evaporator tubes are arranged on the second tube side,

wherein the sealing baffle surrounds and seals to a peripheral edge of the second head plate such that the plurality of second bends are isolated from the plurality of second evaporator tubes.

Aspect 13, the CCU of any of aspects 1 and 2, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a sealed conduit, wherein the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed within the sealed conduit and at least one of the plurality of bends is disposed outside of the sealed conduit.

Aspect 14, the CCU of aspect 13, further comprising a head plate having a bight side and a tube side, wherein a plurality of the bights are disposed on the bight side, and a plurality of the evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the sealed tube is attached to the head plate such that the plurality of evaporator tubes disposed within the sealed tube are isolated from the plurality of bends.

Aspect 15 the CCU of aspect 14, wherein the sealed conduit is attached to the head plate with a pressure resistant sealant.

The terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. The terms "a", "an" and "the" or even the absence of such modifier may also refer to the plural unless otherwise indicated. The terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components.

With respect to the foregoing description, it will be understood that changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of the construction materials employed and the shape, size and arrangement of the parts without departing from the scope of the invention. The word "embodiment" as used in this specification may, but does not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. This description and the described embodiments are only examples. Other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure are indicated by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A climate control unit for a transportation unit comprising:

a condenser unit;

a leakage isolation structure configured to isolate at least one of the plurality of evaporator tubes from a leakage at one of the plurality of turns of the evaporator coil through which a working fluid passes.

2. The climate-control unit of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of bends allows working fluid to travel from one of the plurality of evaporator tubes to another of the plurality of evaporator tubes.

3. The climate-control unit of claim 1, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a removable cover, and wherein the plurality of bends are disposed within the removable cover.

4. The climate control unit of claim 3, further comprising a head panel having a bight side and a tube side, wherein the plurality of bights are disposed on the bight side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the removable cover is attachable and sealable to the head plate such that the plurality of bends disposed within the removable cover are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes.

5. The climate control unit of claim 4, wherein the removable cover is attached to the head panel with a pressure resistant sealant.

6. The climate control unit of claim 3, wherein the removable cover is configured to vent any leaked working fluid to atmosphere via a conduit.

7. The climate control unit of claim 3, wherein the removable cover is constructed of a metal plate or plastic.

8. The climate control unit according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a sealed partition separating the condenser unit from the evaporator unit,

9. The climate control unit of claim 8, wherein the sealing partition isolates the evaporator unit from gases escaping from the evaporator coil on the condenser unit side of the partition.

10. The climate control unit of claim 8, further comprising a head panel having a bight side and a tube side, wherein the plurality of bights are disposed on the bight side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the sealing baffle surrounds and seals to a peripheral edge of the header plate such that the plurality of bends are isolated from the plurality of evaporator tubes.

11. The climate control unit of claim 10, wherein the sealing diaphragm is attached to the head panel with a pressure resistant sealant.

12. The climate control unit of claim 10, further comprising a second head panel having a second elbow side and a second tube side,

wherein the plurality of second bends are arranged on the second bend side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are arranged on the second tube side,

13. The climate control unit according to any of claims 1-7 or claims 9-12, wherein the leakage isolation structure is a sealed duct, wherein the plurality of evaporator tubes are arranged within the sealed duct and at least one of the plurality of bends is arranged outside the sealed duct.

14. The climate control unit of claim 13, further comprising a head panel having a bight side and a tube side, wherein the plurality of bights are disposed on the bight side and the plurality of evaporator tubes are disposed on the tube side,

wherein the sealed conduit is attached to the head plate such that the plurality of evaporator tubes disposed within the sealed conduit are isolated from the plurality of bends.

15. The climate control unit of claim 14, wherein the sealed conduit is attached to the head panel with a pressure resistant sealant.